Thread by @therealcvguru

I'll be posting a lot of advice this week for job-seekers, but before we get to the complicated stuff, let's get the basics out the way. Things you should remove from your CV TODAY! (thread). #JobSeekersSA

1. Reasons for leaving your previous job.
2. Cover page.
3. Number of dependents.
4. Hobbies & interests (unless it's aligned to the position you're applying for or enhances your brand).
5. Photo (unless a huge part of you getting the job is dependent on your looks).

6. Home address. (Rather state location like this: Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa).
7. Jobs from 15 years ago.
8. Additional documents (always keep copies of ID, certificates etc separate from your CV).
9. Cover letter (CV & cover letter should be 2 separate documents).

10. Long paragraphs.
11. Your current package and your expected package.
12. Buzzwords. ("I'm a hard-working, motivated individual").
13. Phrases that open you up to discrimination. ("I'm a 40 year old black male seeking...").
14. Redundant duties ("Greeted customers".)

15. Meaningless objective statement ("Seeking a role that will help me grow and build my career". Yikes!).
16. Any graphics that don't enhance the delivery of your content.
17. Templates with dark backgrounds. (a nightmare to look at when it's been printed).

18. Declaration. ("I declare that all information provided here is true...").
19. An email address from your current employer. (applying for a job using your work email is even worse).
20. Blatant lies. (which is now actually a criminal offense).
21. Inconsistent formatting.

22. Unprofessional email address (CRAZY STAT ALERT: 76% of resumes are discarded for an unprofessional email address).
23. Social media handles (unless it's directly related to the position you're applying for).
24. Crazy fonts.
25. Present tense to talk about a past job.

26. That random blank page at the end.
27. Spelling and grammatical errors.
28. Heading: "Curriculum Vitae of..."
29. Your life story.
30. All your contact numbers (just the primary one is fine).
31. High school achievements (unless you're fresh out of high school).

32. Link to your LinkedIn profile (ONLY if you haven't updated it).
33. Skills graphs (like the ones with the circles found on these modern resume templates that allow you to rate yourself. "9 out of 10 for Project Management". According to who? 😒).
34. "Willing to relocate".

35. More buzzwords ("Quick learner", "People's person", "goal oriented", "team player"). THESE DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU STAND OUT.
36. Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
37. High school subjects.